Palm/Passion Sunday was a powerful service at the the beginning of
this Holy Week. The service went from the entrance of a couple of
dozen children and youth with palm branches and a joyful song by the
bell choir and a trumpeter to the reception of half a dozen young
confirmands to a somber and reflective anthem and the solemn
reproaches of the cross. It was a moving service and especially
hopeful to see all the children and youth who were present. If you
still think St. John's doesn't have many children or youth then you
haven't been paying attention. That may have been true several years
ago but no more. We are bustling with life and promise as we
anticipate Easter services this Sunday.
Hear is the remainder of our Holy Week schedule: April 1, Maundy
Thursday Service at 7 pm, April 2, Good Friday Tre Ore service at
Salem Lutheran, 2:15 pm, April 4, Easter sunrise service at 7 am and
worship with a celebration of the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am. Come and
bring friends and family!
Make plans to attend the Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm this week.
This is a unique service that includes the Lord's Supper, beautiful
music, and a dramatic dimming of the lights as the liturgist reads
from Psalm 22, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" All depart
in silence in anticipation of the dramatic events of Good Friday.
On April 2, join me at 2:15 pm for a Good Friday service at Salem
Lutheran Church across from the Kroger. My five minute homily will be
a reflection on Jesus saying from the cross, "It is finished." I think
Jesus thought what he had done was good. Even through the pain of the
cross. Even as the last drops of blood fell from his body and he took
his last breath, when Jesus said, "It is finished" he was thinking "It
is good." Of course, it was good to know the pain was ending as he
departed his physical body upon his death.
What is also good is the new possibilities Jesus had made available to
humanity through his sacrificial death on the cross. "It is finished"
means the groundwork has been laid for the new humanity. A door
between humanity and God that was shut has now been opened.
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the
foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with
names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-
year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor
walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good
morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the
plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?' The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a
memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.'
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear
asked,
'Which service, the 7:00 or the 10:30?'
No one is likely to sleep through our lively Easter Sunday services!
On Easter Sunday we have two worship services. Our youth will lead a
joyful Easter service at 7 am in Fellowship Hall followed by a light
breakfast. Then we worship with the chancel choir in a celebration of
the Lord's Supper at 10:30 am. Come to either or both and bring a
friend or family member.
Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Jon
--
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort / Houston, TX 77035
T. 713.723.6262 / F. 713.723-4015 / Email: office.sjpc@gmail.com
Worship Service: Sunday, 10:30 am / Sunday School: 9:00 am
